Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Every organisation, small group and individual should be aware of their responsibility, in work and society.
Village halls have a responsibility for safeguarding. Safeguarding refers to measures designed to protect the health, wellbeing and human rights of individuals. These measures allow children, young people and adults at risk to live free from abuse, harm and neglect.
Creating a safe and welcoming environment, where everyone is respected and valued, is at the heart of safeguarding. It’s about making sure your organisation is run in a way that actively prevents harm, harassment, bullying, abuse and neglect.
It’s also about being ready to respond safely and well if there is a problem. Everyone in the organisation has a role to play in safeguarding. It should become part of your day to day activities.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where abuse, harassment and harm can happen to anyone.
Village halls can take practical steps to safeguard people from abuse, harassment and harm, find out how your hall can get started and put in place safeguarding measures today, getting started with safeguarding.
Village halls must have the right policies and procedures for safeguarding in your organisation. You need to make sure that all groups and everyone using your hall is aware of them and you must review them regularly.
By law, every charity must safeguard people from harm or abuse, whether they are staff members, volunteers, or other people who come into contact with the organisation through its work, find out more about the Charity Commission Guidance
Serious safeguarding concerns should always be shared with the appropriate authority. If you or your village hall committee are concerned about safeguarding issues, you should contact the organisation responsible for coordinating safeguarding locally. Follow this link to find your Local Safeguarding Board
Lets help keep village and community halls a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
